How to Visit Locations from Your Favorite BookTok Novels
Reading doesn't just have to be a figurative escape, it can lead you to places you'd never thought you'd explore.
Truly great books transport us into their worlds. As you flip through the pages (or, in my case, tap furiously on my Kindle) you can almost hear the music and smell the spices as if you were right there.
When you read the dreaded words, “The End,” that doesn’t have to be where your story ends as well. By visiting destinations from your favorite books, you can walk through the hallways and experience the cultures that inspired them. Even your favorite fantasy novels can be compared to real-life destinations that feel just as magical and awe-inspiring.
If you have ever thought about planning a trip based on your recent reading hyperfixation, you’re not the only one. According to Explore Worldwide, a British travel company, 72% of those surveyed considered a destination after reading a novel set there. Literary tourism is a budding trend for Gen Z, and there are countless BookTok vacation ideas.
After all, why read about another person’s adventures when you can go out into the world and embark on one of your own?
Luckily, you don’t have to go alone, because there are plenty of book-inspired group travel itineraries. Grab your best friends, rally your book club, or sign up on your own. No matter what, group trips give you the chance to meet your own new cast of quirky, lovable characters who you can create new memories with.
These are our favorite BookTok travel destinations, ready for your main character moment.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles is one of the original BookTok favorites, and it is an epic retelling of the Trojan War. Patroclus and Achilles’s love story explores love and loss, and this centuries-old story manages to captivate modern readers.
If you liked The Song of Achilles, you’ll love walking in the footsteps of Patroclus, Achilles, and other ancient legends. Join EF Ultimate Break in Athens, the 5,000-year-old city where history and mythology come to life. Imagine a day in the life of ancient Greek heroes by spending your free time walking around the cobblestone lanes of Plaka or doing a lap through the Panathenaic Stadium in Pangrati.
From there, the adventure continues through Santorini, Paros, and Mykonos. You can sail through the Aegean Sea like Patroclus and party on the beach like Dionysus, all while indulging on some of the world’s best food and wine.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Crazy Rich Asians gives readers a look into the world of Singapore’s ultra wealthy through its lavish parties and decadent day trips around the city. As the romance buds between Rachel and Nicholas, Kevin Kwan–a Singaporean author–also writes a love letter to the culture, cuisine, and beauty of this vibrant city. The film adaptation was also notably the first Hollywood movie with an all-Asian cast since 1993.
On the EF Ultimate Break trip to Singapore, be sure to spend the evening at the Gardens by the Bay. Not only is this the same spot where they hold the wedding reception, but it is a beautiful botanical garden with stunning light installations and innovative architecture.
Just like Rachel, this trip will also give travelers the chance to taste test Singapore’s melting pot of foods from Malay Laksa to Indonesian Satay.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
With nearly 3,000 pages of universe-building, A Court of Thorns and Roses fans truly feel like they are a part of Prythian with its faeries, prophecies, and magic. While we unfortunately can’t guarantee any gorgeous winged men with six-pack abs, the Alps offer a beautiful world that comes pretty close to the Night Court.
Much Like ACOTAR’s Velaris, Switzerland’s Valais canton (eh? Ehh?) is full of peaceful alpine towns, impressive mountains, and charming chalets. Visitors can enjoy the Alps in Valias by spending a few days in Zermatt on EF Ultimate Break’s Switzerland tour. Live like the Inner Circle with a glass of wine by the river and cable car rides. You’ll even be able to take a photo in front of the famous Matterhorn that serves as Zermatt’s very own Ramiel.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Historical fiction novels like Pachinko give readers the opportunity to truly get to know a country’s past, allowing them to be more mindful and insightful during their own travels. After reading about Sunja’s family in Korea and Japan, there is something particularly meaningful about immersing yourself in the real-world destinations from the book.
EF Ultimate Break takes travelers to see both Japan and South Korea, allowing them to explore both sides of Pachinko. Indulge on sake in Tokyo one night and spend another in a Korean temple, truly enjoying the best of both worlds.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Normal People grabs readers by the hearts and tear ducts with its touching, realistic depiction of modern love.
On EF Ultimate Break’s trip to Dublin, you can spend free time strolling through the charming walkways of Trinity College, where Marianne and Connell spend most of their studies. Avid bibliophiles will especially adore the Book of Kells and the Long Room, one of the world’s most beautiful libraries that is right in the middle of Trinity.
Go on day trips to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and spend your evenings pub hopping like Marianne, Connell, and other local students. Word on the street is that the Guinness in Ireland is better than anywhere else in the world, so be sure to try it at the storehouse with a view of the city (for research, of course…).
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Throughout People We Meet on Vacation, Poppy and Alex’s friends-to-lovers storyline is full of colorful imagery from her glamorous life as a travel writer. While reading the book, it’s easy to get the itch to fly somewhere new and learn more about the world through the people you meet along the way.
On EF Ultimate Break’s cruise through Croatia, you can go to Hvar, the Croatian island that Poppy and Alex visit in the book. Not only is this the island that they constantly and mysteriously allude to, but it is also known for its clear blue waters, stunning beaches, and wild nightlife. Dance until sunrise in true carpe diem style or soak in the beautiful sights from Hvar Fortress.
Make the next chapter of your life an exciting one by going on an adventure with EF Ultimate Break. When you book with us, you know that we’ll take care of all the hassle and details. You can relax and enjoy sailing on a boat in Greece, enjoying a Guinness with a view, or touring ancient Korean temples.
Are there any book destinations we missed? Let us know @efultimatebreak.
Acacia is a travel journalist from Los Angeles. In her side quests around the world, she lived in Greece, Ireland, and Australia and has visited 35+ countries. She believes that travel inspires us to ask more from the world and ourselves, which is why she is always hoping to empower other young women to go on their own adventures.
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